allow not one to escape

My dear Grandma, Wilma Weedon, Spring 2011

I've been reading a very though provoking book, Spiritual Mothering. Although the book is a bit disjointed and difficult to follow, I've gotten a few nuggets of worth. The author makes the point, 'If we need to be taught how to love our husbands and children, the two most intimate relationships, then surely we have to be taught simply to love.' Learning how to trust and love people has been the journey of my life, since cynicism,  narcissism, and anger were prevalent in my early years.

The author points out the great service of Christ, as he washed the feet of His disciples as the greatest example of love we can emulate. I would have to agree. While I can't say I was anywhere near a perfect mother or wife, I know serving with a cheerful heart allowed me to understand love. However, because I was tardy in learning to submit my speech to God and did little affirming and encouraging in the beginning, the elusive secret to love escaped me.

To encourage and affirm the good qualities of husband and children is part of the secret. To be loyal and discreet is another. Loving them in spite of their actions is, too. Because I failed time and again in the trenches of life, I have plenty of experience to back up these claims. Nevertheless, my successes at the end allow me to speak out with a qualified voice. I've been on both sides of the fence; the love side is the best side. Interestingly, it wasn't until my eyes were opened that I realized I had the greatest example of this idea in my life from the beginning, my grandma--proof that the Spirit doesn't teach in a whirlwind but with a still small voice.

Once in awhile I forget and unbridle my tongue. I might as well just call out to Satan that I'm ready for all he has to dish out. Unkind words flow like a flood if I allow one to escape. "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared...according to his mercy..." Titus 3:3-5 When I remember who I am and want to be, I am kind and feel the warmth of God for all His children.